Let's start with this, I have players Tara Molina, Julie Hernandez, Erin Ashley, Erin Wimberley and Alexia Torres since day 1 of SA Islanders practically out of elementary school. Belle Tovar, Brianna Lane since middle school and Ashley Adaszczyk since practically out of elementary school as well.
I had kids playing and committed this season from San Angelo, Bri Soliz and Jordan Brooks, from Beeville, Audrey Carranco, from George West, Alison Shanklin and Corpus Christi, Alexis Worley.
We had new additions in Victoria Pena, Cindy Si, Marissa Regino, Jennifer Sullivan, Analisa Arguello, Jenna Villarreal, Nancy Jones, Audrey and Jordan.
And a very special group in my seniors Hannah Murray, April Matthews, Lunden Patterson, Arianna Craver and Marissa.
I have seen most these kids grow up from wearing pony tails to driving their own cars to practices!
Also, a great big THANK YOU to Coach Oscar Antopia for all he does for the girls and the Organization. His commitment is second to none. I owe him a lot. He is a great person and I have nothing but gratitude for his dedication and loyalty.
I want to thank Israel "EZ" Garcia for all his time, training and coaching during the season. He also brought a lot of energy to the Organization
I want to thank all the players and Parents for the Basketball Season! I appreciate tremendously all the hard work, commitment and dedication with everyone involved. It is not easy and I know it takes a lot out of everyone.
I espeacially want to thank team moms for everything they do to make things easier for everyone. It is not always easy to put up with me. Mel Molina and Michelle Lane are very much appreciated! I sincerely want to thank both of them for everything! What about moms that make everything go, Sylvia Adaszczyk, Deann Wimberley, Brenda Tovar, Kathy Pena, Jessica Carranco, DeShae Ashley, Eliza Arguello, Arlene Murray, Carol Ann Shanklin, Lydia Craver, Xia Si, Stephanie Brooks, Theresa Soliz, Karen Hernandez, Linda Villarreal and Marylin Regino helping out in any manner in the best interest of the team especially in fundraising, cooking, clinics etc.
Sean and Arlene Murray for letting us host get togethers at their home.
Sean and Arlene Murray for letting us host get togethers at their home.
A great, special Thanks to Hugh Patterson.
And How about the Big Dawgs! No introductions needed!
And last but not least, Super Mom, my wife Bibi. Still battling and fighting, taking treatment every 3 weeks with countless medical exams in between, working, mom at home to kids and still managing to help with everything to help out the Organization!!!!! You are the best and I, as well as the Organization, are extremely lucky.
I know everyone expects a lot and standards are high, but realistically, our kids have to work 2 to 3 times as hard just to compete with teams that are sometimes loaded with great skill and talent. What makes it even tougher is that those very same teams have high work ethics and dedication as well.
Time and time again, opposing coaches come up to me and congratulate me on the players performance, their fight, their skill and their overall play! Referees are always asking me where we are from and complimenting our players game! Opposing parents come up to me and tell me how much they enjoy watching us play, win or lose. Again, a credit to all the players and Parents commitment to the Oranization.
I can't explain the gratification of seeing these young ladies perform at their respective High Schools once school basketball gets underway.
I just want everyone envolved with the Organization to know, that no matter what, we are FAMILY!
Thank you for another great year!
Following is a sample of some of the good times during the season.
Last song was recorded on my phone by SA Islander Parents, Derrick Craver with the bass guitar, Linnell Lane with the tamborines and Abe Hernandez on the drums. No Practice, First and only take! I thought it was fitting to be part of the slideshow.
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